Redlands is big part of Spark of Love

That's what the toy bin at Starbucks had last year when Christmas arrived.

The hope is that Redlands residents come through again now that this year's Spark of Love toy drive is under way.

"Anything we can do to give back, we are happy to do," said Lance Sanchez, manager at the Redlands Starbucks on Lugonia Avenue. "It's special to give back, whether it is to children or anyone who needs it."

The toy bin is at the store's entrance.

"Right there people see it when they leave. It reminds them to bring a toy when they come back," Sanchez said. "The box was full last year."

An effort between KABC Channel 7 and Southern California firefighters, the toy drive is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Redlands is in the middle of it - there are 17 drop-off locations in the city, including all four fire stations and the city's fire department administration building.

The drive collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. Toys collected in the respective counties are distributed locally. The goal is to exceed last year's collection of 500,000 toys.